Through The Mirror Portal

Chapter 10: Journey To Storm Spire

Rayla and Callum were busy loading up supplies onto a sky dragon, who had heard the rumours about Zym and offered to take them to the Storm Spire. Zym was looking terrified but Callum and Rayla were fussing him and putting him at ease. Rayla said to Callum,
"Ah think Zym feels about flying the same way ah feel about water!" Callum looked at Rayla sympathetically,
"I didn't know you didn't like water, I hope I can change that. We have a great swimming pool at the castle." Rayla looked uncertain,
"Yer might be able to convince me, we'll see!" Rayla didn't want to put too much of a dampener on it, but she was actually really excited to see Callum's home and family. Not so much the pool though. They said their goodbyes and Callum gave Runaan the pictures wrapped up in a square of cloth that Rayla bought specially. Rayla even managed to get some frames from the village store. Runaan and Ethari opened the fabric wrap and looked at all the pictures. They both smiled and Runaan said to Callum,
"These pictures are great, we have a gift for you too." Ethari handed Callum a decorative scabbard with a short sword inside. Callum attached it to his waistband and thanked them both. Ethari said to Callum,
"I'm sure Rayla will show you how to use it." They both smiled and Callum replied,
"If it comes to me using this sword we're all in trouble!" Everyone laughed and the dragon looked back and snorted,
"Everyone ready, then we're off!" The dragon unfurled his huge shimmering wings. With one almighty leap they were airborne and heading at a blistering pace toward the Storm Spire. The wind was battering at them as the dragon climbed higher. Callum had to shout to be heard over the wind noise.
"Is this a good time to tell you I'm scared of heights!" Rayla looked back at her petrified boyfriend who was clinging to her for dear life. Rayla shouted back,
"Don't worry you'll get over it, the journey will take hours, al make it up to you later ah promise." Suddenly Callum didn't feel quite so scared now and couldn't wait to see what Rayla had planned.
On landing at the Storm Spire the dragon turned and spoke to them,
"Callum cast this spell, the air is too thin for you to breathe, and also pass my regards to the Queen if she wakes." The dragon scratched a rune onto the ground. After they get off, the dragon sharply takes off and disappears into the distance. Callum immediately casts the spell and sure enough breathing becomes a whole lot easier.
An elf Mage walks over from the entrance into the mountain,
"Greetings and the rumours are true, a wonderful young dragon, excellent. How rude of me I'm Ibis anyway." The Elf Mage bowed courteously. Rayla stood ahead of Callum and introduced them both. The Elf looked suspiciously at Callum.
"Sorry you're just the first human I've ever seen, I'm amazed you can take the thin air up here." Then Callum replied,
"Oh it's nothing, just cast a spell and 'ventus spiralis'!" The Elf Mage was taken aback,
"Ok a human Mage with elf magic that's a new one."
Callum looking hurt drew the lightning symbol and set off a bolt of lightning into the sky.
"Yes I've learned the sky Arcanum." The Mage now nodded and looked impressed. He didn't say anymore on the matter and just turned and walked back towards the entrance, very casually saying,
"Everyone follow me, I'll show you to the Queen, she's in a very deep sleep!" Rayla and Callum looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and followed closely behind.